Pittsburgh City Paper Booze Battles: Brillobox vs. Spoon

It’s a sloe-gin slugfest

Each week, we order the same cocktail at two different bars for a friendly head-to-head battle. Go to the bars, taste them both and tell us what you like about each by tagging @pghcitypaper on Twitter or Instagram and using #CPBoozeBattles. If you want to be a part of Booze Battles, send an email to food-and-beverage writer Celine Roberts, at celine@pghcitypaper.com.

The Drink: Sloe Gin Fizz

Brillobox

Our take: Every sip of this cocktail was tart and citrusy with plenty of stone-fruit notes from the sloe gin. An almost-creamy texture paired with light carbonation from the soda water made for an enjoyable contrast and added depth to this straight-forward classic.

Our take: Spoon’s bartender John Wabeck is known for his command of gin, so this cocktail was an expert take. Plummy and tangy, the libation was perfectly balanced between tart and sweet notes, with a tangy finish that encouraged further sipping. Light acidity from the lemon juice kept it refreshing, but not astringent.